Here's a cool little article about some research that confirms some of the weirder elements of quantum mechanics, specifically relating to quantum entanglement and wave function collapse. In layman's terms, particles can behave as though they are in more than one place at a time, and when they are measured, they "collapse" into a single state, but entanglement allows the state in one location to have an instantaneous effect on another particle in another location. Einstein called this "spooky action at a distance," and simply couldn't accept it, pretty much on grounds of common sense.
What's really interesting about all this, though, is that it's just one more piece of evidence confirming the two greatest developments in the history of physics, Einstein's general relativity (which describes gravity), and quantum mechanics (which describe the other forces). Experimental evidence for both theories continues to grow, despite the fact that they seem to be entirely incompatible with each other. Both seem true, and yet they don't fit together. Reconciling the two theories remains physicists' white whale.
The universe is a strange place.
goat
This post was edited on 3/31 7:17 PM by TheOriginalHappyGoat
Spooky.
What's really interesting about all this, though, is that it's just one more piece of evidence confirming the two greatest developments in the history of physics, Einstein's general relativity (which describes gravity), and quantum mechanics (which describe the other forces). Experimental evidence for both theories continues to grow, despite the fact that they seem to be entirely incompatible with each other. Both seem true, and yet they don't fit together. Reconciling the two theories remains physicists' white whale.
The universe is a strange place.
goat
This post was edited on 3/31 7:17 PM by TheOriginalHappyGoat
Spooky.